Middlewest #1

Middlewest

by Skottie Young, Jorge Corona (Illustrator), Jean-François Beaulieu (Colorist)

The lands between the coasts are vast, slow to change, and full of hidden magics. Mistakes have been made, and in this NEW ONGOING SERIES, an unwitting adventurer searches for answers to quell a coming storm that knows his name. From author SKOTTIE YOUNG (I HATE FAIRYLAND, Deadpool) and artist JORGE CORONA (NO. 1 WITH A BULLET, Feathers, Big Trouble in Little China: Old Man Jack) comes the tale of Abel, a young boy who must navigate an old land in order to reconcile his family's history.

Genres: Comics, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Sequential Art, Comic Book

37 pages, Unknown Binding

First published November 21, 2018

About the author

Skottie Young has been an illustrator and cartoonist for over ten years working for entertainment and publishing companies such Marvel, Warner Bros., Image, Upper Deck, Mattel, and many more.

He is currently illustrating the New York Times Best Selling and Eisner Award Nominated adaptions of L. Frank Baum's OZ novels with writer Eric Shanower. The series has gained acclaim from both fans and critics.

Skottie currently lives in Illinois with his family, Casey, Baxter and their Saint Bernard, Emma.

Reviews

[Ali Book World · Rating 3 out of 5]

تصویر پردازی خیلی قشنگی داره...

[ewondare · Rating 4 out of 5]

ریویو برای ۶ ولوم اول غرب‌میانه:

غرب‌میانه دنیای تیره و جالب خودش رو به محض ورود برای خواننده می‌سازه. (با این‌که ظاهرا در دنیای خودمونه فقط جایی که کسی خارج از اون‌جا خبری از جادو نداره.)
ترکیب کابوس‌های اِیبل با حقیقت و بلافاصله انداختنش در ماجراجویی‌ای که لحظه‌به‌لحظه‌ش هیجان‌انگیزه.

تنها نقطه‌ ی ضعف (اگر بشه اینطور دونستش.) کل این شش ولوم از نظر من توی دومین ولوم بود که ایبل و روباه به طرز عجیب "جب" رو رها می‌کنن و می‌رن. که به نظر میاد خیلی عجله‌ای نوشته شده بود تا فقط خط داستان بره جلو.

پایان ولومِ ۶، که آخر کتاب اول. حساب می‌شه هم با تعلیق فرجام بزرگی باقی می‌گذاره شمارو تا یک‌دفعه به خودتون بیایید و ببینید که تموم کردید هرچی کمیک دستتون بوده. اون هم شاید در کمتر از یک ساعت. (اگر مثل من غرقش شده باشید.)

علاوه بر اون، غرب‌میانه یکی از زیباترین آرت‌وورک‌ها و illustrationهایی رو داره که دیدم.

حتما بهش فرصتی بدید.
ارزشش رو داره.

[Chris Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

To begin, the art is stunning, from Jorge Corona's beautiful drawings to Jean-Francois Beaulieu's always excellent coloring. To add to that, the writing is very strong. The dialogue feels authentic - even the cruel father, a role that is typically written unconvincingly. Abel's father is mean, but the words he says sound like something somebody might actually say in real life (and despite the cruel edge, there is truth in his father's message about Abel's carelessness).

This is a piece of magical realism, though the magical aspects of the story's world are as yet unclear. This is where the series can go to some awesome places, or where it can turn for the worse. It seems there have been multiple Image series lately that start off very strong (Flavor, Isola) and then lose their magic fairly quickly. Those lingering questions issue 1 leaves need to be answered satisfactorily. But issue 1 itself is a tour-de-force and hits all the right notes emotionally.

[Chadi Raheb · Rating 3 out of 5]

فامیلی تصویرگرش هست کورونا :))

[Boogi Lu · Rating 4 out of 5]

یک کامیک با سبک طراحی آمریکایی ، پرداخت و تصویر سازی که خوب انجام شده و داستانی که در یک دنیای نظیر دنیای ما اتفاق می افته و در جلد اول ما رو آماده می کنه برای یه ماجراجویی هیجان انگیز
پیش به سویِ کشفِ راز هایِ دنیایِ غربِ میانه

[Mohadese · Rating 4 out of 5]

تصویرگری بسی جذابی در کنار یه شروع پرقدرت!
دلم میخواد بهش ۵ بدم ولی نمی‌دم :))

[kaitlphere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upsetting exposition but a beautiful, beautiful book. It felt like the beginning of a journey, so I am hoping the upsetting things are left behind the character in the second issue but also make for strong character foundation.

[Mirhosseini AmirMahdi · Rating 5 out of 5]

MiddleWest
By: Scottie Yong
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Heroism
Rate: [5/5]

Literally Loved this Comic series so far! Most of Books/comics/Light Novels I've read, start with at low speed and then we face different circumstances and lots of exciting things.
MiddleWest start with something Like explosion! Without much background, you see the first character in a run and lost in a world he doesn't know. He left his past behind to find a cure. For himself and for a world that may be in danger.
Characters are mostly fun, I believe well developed and each and everyone with a special characteristic. Moreover, characters are placed in the best situation you may think of.
Their appearance is neither too early not too late.
Just read it!

غرب‌میانه
اسکاتی یانگ
مترجم: محمدصالح نورانی‌زاده
نشر باژ

این کمیک بهترین کمیک ترجمه‌ای بوده که تا امروز خوندم! هیجانش از همون صفحات اول به اوج خودش می‌رسه و با کمترین پیش‌زمینه، شما رو وارد سفر ماجراجویانه‌ی شخصیت اول می‌کنه.
غرب‌میانه رو می‌شه کمیکی بدون محدودیت سنی و جذاب برای همه دونست. تقریباً در هرشماره‌اش اتفاقات هیجان‌انگیز و غیرقابل پیش‌بینی رخ می‌ده. پایان هر شماره، تعلیقی وجود داره که خواننده رو به ادامه‌‌دادن تشویق می‌کنه و می‌تونم بگم با اختلاف محبوب‌ترین کمیک حال‌ حاضره برای من.

[Kay ☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally I was able to find this via my computer, apparently the goodreads app couldn't.

Anyway, this was a great first issue. The cover is what caught my eye, something about Abel's stance. I really related to his daddy issues because I have my own. I wanted his dads to kick rocks. Curious if he has always been a monster or if he turned into one.

Artwork is beyond beautiful, can't wait to see what issue# 2 holds.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't a bad start, and it does a good job of presenting child abuse. It just did not grab quite as much as I wanted it to.

[Maedeh Dabiri · Rating 3 out of 5]

دومین کمیکی که تا حالا خوندم.
واقعیتش چندان ارتباط برقرار نکردم، شاید بخاطر این‌که بهش عادت ندارم، احساس می‌کنم خیلی سریع پیش می‌ره.
(هر دو جلد رو باهم توی بیست دقیقه خوندم، از طریق طاقچه)
در هرحال ایده‌ی جذاب و تصویرگریِ خیره‌کننده‌ای داره.

[Saba jahangiriyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

در قدم اول جالب و جذاب به نظرم اومد☺️

[Skyler Boudreau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty interesting first chapter. I am curious to see how the story unfolds.

[whatcaityreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Great art and story. Powerful metaphors.

[Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

De moment em té més que fascinat. Graficament PERFAVOOOOOORRRRR una mica del petit princep amb la seva guineu i molt de fantasia xula i dura

[Yalda · Rating 2 out of 5]

من کلا خیلیییی کمیک دوست ندارم…ولی خب این بد نبود…
ولی حجمش واقعا نسبت به قیمتش کم بود!
احتمالا ادامه‌ش رو هم می‌خونم ولی توی تخفیف می‌خرم یا توی طاقچه می‌خونمشون…

[Thomas A Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful comic from skottie yet again.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, I have managed to read this opener. Admittedly, I have come to this series late, but I am so glad that I stumbled across it.

As with any opener to a series, this one introduces us to the characters without giving anything away of how this story may develop. Both the writing and the art are fantastic - I certainly felt as though the characters were authentic, meaning that despite the short length, I already feel that I have a good sense of the characters.

I love it - I think, because of coming to the comics late, I'll invest in the collected volumes instead.

[Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

This definitely wasn't what I was expecting when I saw that this was written by Skottie Young. I'm not quite sure what to make of it, I liked the protagonist and the setup with the wind and his dad. I liked the fox character and thought the use of color was wonderful and made it feel special. But there was something I just didn't connect to. I don't know if it was because I felt too much empathy for the kid and the trouble with the dad made my heart hurt, or if the reveal at the end made everything too confusing, but I'm surprised I didn't like this more.

[Evelyn Blackwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this comic. It ripped my guts out with its raw storytelling and real dialogue. It's very easy to pick up bad dialogue. It's like when you're watching a movie with subpar sound, you just feel like something is off and the whole production can shatter as a result.
Middlewest #1, written by Scottie Young has a parent-child relationship that literally forced me to remember my own childhood. It was fucking scary. I suddenly felt very good to be where I am now. But that doesn't mean the relationship is necessarily bad, only flawed. You deal with characters who will no doubt regret everything they said later, and this trope without fail always manages to rip into my heart without any semblance of mercy.
The banter between Abel's friends felt more fresh and realized than most comics I read. Playing games at someone's house and having a strategy guide was most certainly a conversation I had growing up. And dealing with friends who were into shoplifting was another...
If you can't tell, I grew up and still reside in the Midwest. So I'm pretty fuckin picky about comics set here. A general rule of thumb is that the comic MUST put the beauty of the heartland on display and not screw it up. The art by Jorge Corona is so unique and inviting. It's the kind of art where limbs are small and bodies are large and squarelike. I don't just dig it, it's seriously some of my favorite art in comics. The exaggeration of these figures is not lost in the slightest. If anything, their emotions on display steal the show. There is an exchange here that brought a tear to my eye and without this art I don't think it would have happened. This is some seriously eye catching art that elevates the emotional material.
But what must be dug even more than the art is the colors by Jean Francois Beaulieu. For my money this might be my favorite aspect. Cause the colors keep my eyes warm at all times.
The story is set in an alternative Midwest and we have a son (along with his friends and a talking fox) and a kind mean, kinda meaningful father who can turn into a tornado.
I was glued for the whole ride and it's worth seeking.

[Pop Bop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Issue #1 is Beautiful; Issue #2 is Gripping

I was taken by Issue #1 but unsure about where the story was going. There's a lot of setup as we meet Abel and his smart-mouth Fox companion. The book ends with Abel leaving town to escape his father's abuse, but are the fantastical elements meant to be elegant artistic representations of Abel's distress and confusion, or are we in line for an actual fantasy adventure? The talking Fox and the odd futuristic details around the edges of the panels suggest an actual fantasy, but Young keeps his cards close to his vest.

Issue #2 clearly and unreservedly announces that we are on a Quest. This issue is the best example I know of, (apart from "Wizard of Oz"), that demonstrates how you can have a character's whole world turn upside down and inside out, (with strange characters, mysteries, Chosen One hints, wizard guides, and a real live Quest), and still have the narrative be crisp, clear, and compelling.

The dialogue is deadpan, with some funny banter between Able and Fox, and a lot of dry humor in the characters' throwaway lines and observations. This somehow feels authentic and honest even as it becomes increasingly fantastical. I still don't know where this is going, (apart from being more or less a coming of age and finding yourself sort of tale), but I most definitely want to follow the journey.

It should also be noted that the artwork is beautiful and exceptionally well suited to the tale. Lots of times covers don't tell you anything because they are one-off artworks that don't reflect the contents. Not so here. The colors, detail, atmosphere, warmth, and personality that shines from the cover also informs all of the work in the book. This is a gorgeous series.

So, I'm totally sold and ready to follow Abel to whatever end he finds. (Please note that I had a chance to read a free ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The debut issue of Middlewest introduces a father figure who could pass for someone who learned his parenting skills from Twisted Sister music videos—a quirky yet ominous characterization. As the story unfolds, we discover he's far more troubling than initially portrayed. His presence became a stumbling block for my enjoyment of the book, necessitating moments to collect myself after certain revelations.

On a brighter note, the author's comments are insightful, particularly praising the exquisite artistry and color palette. Indeed, the depiction of blue skies behind weathered pickup trucks and fluttering papers is breathtaking. The protagonist seems abandoned emotionally, enduring his father's harsh critiques, mockery from a fox companion, and pressure from questionable friends. Amidst this turmoil, the only beacon of care appears to be the sympathetic store clerk—a poignant reminder of the protagonist's isolation.

Despite the emotional weight, I remain intrigued about the unfolding narrative. However, I'm apprehensive about the harsh challenges the protagonist may yet face, especially considering how the story paints the cruelty of fate.

[Chase · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great opener to a series. The coloring was spot on for the mood in all the right places. The boy-fox relationship was almost a copy of Calvin and Hobbes dynamics which, mixed with the artistic style that also gleans from Bill Watterson, was kind of disappointing that it wasn't more unique. The way the narrative starts and ends the same is satisfying. Overall, the story has the beginnings of The Odyssey or other epic quest remade for today's youth. The concept of mixing a fantasy world like Middle Earth with the Midwestern US is a fresh move. Still left things to be wanting, like a 2-D father who was predictable and less relationship building between boy and fox than was needed.

Not so much a book for k-12 but can be a great way to look back for older audiences. This book gets all the creative juices flowing. For instance, the pink liquid in glass containers on every building is mysterious and exciting. I need to know what it does, what it means, how it can be used in the plot later.

Warning: Mature language, domestic abuse, petty theft.

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great example of graphic art.

Beautifully illustrated, engaging with an amazing world built. It’s been years since I picked one up. Asterix may have been my last collection.

Ignore the age bracket. It’s an interesting read, the artwork is perfection, with a fast paced storyline and character growth. You’ll connect with Abel, and his very toxic home life. It’s a sad story and no child should have to feel disposable or unwanted. It is dystopian/fantasy.

As a reader whose normal stories are traditionally written words, I needed to grab this to remind myself how books should be written. I’m not becoming too critical reviewing.

Speech bubbles, their actions/sounds, with the visual effects are perfect. I wish more authors would grab a graphic novel to understand where they fall flat with show vs tell when writing. Graphics connect the action, while most attempt to achieve it telling the reader, not creating the visual a graphic novel does. Words can certainly do the same.

Loved touching base and reconnecting with a genre every age bracket should read.

[Riski Oktavian · Rating 3 out of 5]

aku pernah dapat tips dari kak aya kalau lagi reading slump coba baca komik. well sebenarnya aku bukan penggemar komik dan bahkan bisa dibilang gak pernah baca komik, karena aku merasa pusing dengan cara bacanya. tapi sepertinya mencoba untuk membaca komik tidak ada salahnya juga.

jadi ini adalah komik pertama yang aku baca. aku bacanya lewat google play book dan ini gratis pula. komik ini bercerita tentang abel dan seorang hewan yang menjadi temannya (aku gak tau siapa namanya, atau emang gak dijelaskan).

selebihnya aku gak bisa cerita karena komik ini punya sedikit halaman jadi untuk menyelesaikan cukup cepat. secara keseluruhan cerita aku suka, dari segi narasi, konflik serta beberapa adegan di dalam sini. dan terutama ilustrasinya yang banyak bermain warna. dan di beberapa part aku sempet ngakak sengakak ngakaknya. kalau pengen baca bisa langsung cari aja di google play book.

3,5 stars.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Middlewest. The wind is so violent here. I hate it. Sometimes I feel like... it hates me. Sometimes I think it's just going to pick me up... and blow me away.

Another first issue 'freebie' from Amazon Kindle which I picked up towards the end of last year.

Having completely forgotten what the story was about, I went into this with a completely open mind. It initially feels like a coming of age story of a teen in the Midwest of America, rebelling against his overbearing father and getting up to shenanigans with his friends. However, by the end of this first issue you realise it is so much more. There is a talking fox, powerful forces, and a darkness in the Middlewest and our young protagonists' journey has just begun.

I see that this has had some success and there are at least two volumes now, the first of which is ordered and on it's way! 5 stars!

[Mélanie Martins · Rating 3 out of 5]

L’histoire est sympathique mais pas incroyable en revanche le graphisme est fabuleux. Il y a beaucoup de détails, beaucoup de couleurs, un jeu de contrastes et les ambiances changent d’une planche à l’autre. Mes illustrations préférées sont celles de nuits où l’illustrateur exploite toutes les teintes d’une couleur, c’est de l’art et c’est magnifique.
Pour ce qui est de l’histoire, j’ai bien aimé la relation chien et chat entre le renard et Abel. J’ai apprécié l’aspect forain et quête mais encore plus voir Abel intégrer cette nouvelle famille.

[read it twice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished binging I Hate Fairyland and well when Skottie Young said he will be doing this after, had to pick it up. I was blown away by the magnitude of this work. Characters were establish only to evaporate and I loved the fact that they took time to push normal into oblivion, we are given a glimpse of how massive things will be in this book and I love the prospects.
Bonus: The art is mind-blowing.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So honestly there is nothing ground breaking or new in the story here, but it is interesting so far, but the art (oh the art) is beautiful. The colours are vibrant and every panel just pops and has so much detail. The supporting characters are all wonderful. The world is straight out of a Miyazaki animation. It's so interesting, weird and whimsical. I'm definitely continuing the series.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I own this comic.

YOOOOOO what a start to a series.

I've never really read anything by Skottie Young, I've only followed their work on covers and variants so when I saw this as an Image First for £1 at my LCS I knew I had to pick it up. This story was super intriguing and I can't wait to read more.